Defence Notes

Read the latest general defence news and company announcements from our team of expert journalists and analysts, giving you the 'so what' behind the latest headlines.

Naval Warfare

Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution

The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.

Naval Warfare

Ireland steps up European defence co-operation in the face of Russian activity

Ireland is militarily neutral but has joined a European Union (EU) rapid reaction force and a European information sharing group.

Air Warfare

L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS and software solutions

L3Harris Technologies is investing in new systems and software for maritime operations and modernising the US Navy’s fleet of MPAs

Defence Notes

New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia

This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.

More Stories

Land Warfare

General Atomics and Rafael unveil new multi-domain missile

9th April 2025

Currently under development, Bullseye has been designed to be a long-range, precision-guided strike capability.
Naval Warfare

Raytheon, Nammo and Northrop Grumman join forces to produce MK72 solid rocket motors

8th April 2025

MK72 is a crucial capability for the SM-3 interceptors and the Aegis BMD system.
Air Warfare

Taurus KEPD 350E missile sees upgrade for German armed forces

4th April 2025

Taurus Systems, a joint venture between MBDA Germany and Saab, was awarded a $161 million 10-year contract in January 2025 to modernise the Taurus 350 missile.
Air Warfare

Avalon 2025: Australia’s missile and ordnance plans excite companies

31st March 2025

Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) industrial plan is ambitious and promises big spending in an effort to create a local and sovereign capability. Companies at last week’s Australian International Airshow near Melbourne were making their pitches.
Naval Warfare

Russia and Ukraine agree maritime ceasefire – then Russia attaches strings

27th March 2025

Tentative peace in the Black Sea broke down almost immediately amid Russian demands for a financial climb-down from the EU.
Defence Notes

UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”

26th March 2025

Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
Land Warfare

Babcock secures £1.6 billion MoD contract extension to support British Army readiness

26th March 2025

The five-year contract extension will be applied to the existing 10-year DSG Service Provision and Transformation Contract.
Defence Notes

Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees

26th March 2025

The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
Defence Notes

Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market

24th March 2025

The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
Air Warfare

Sweden procures third batch of Meteor missiles for Gripen aircraft

20th March 2025

This third order from the FMV for the long-range anti-aircraft missile system is part of the Swedish Armed Forces’ effort to increase its air defence capabilities.
Air Warfare

Canada risks “bloodying its nose” should it forgo F-35 buy, says Canadian ex-defence chief

19th March 2025

Canada has stated its intention to reassess its acquisition of the F-35, amid the ongoing US-trade war, with Defence Minister Bill Blair saying it is “examining alternatives” with other aircraft manufacturers.
Naval Warfare

Royal Navy follows US Navy lead, invests in VR training to mitigate watchkeeping skill fade

19th March 2025

VR naval training is growing more accepted as it maintains bridge skills in a safe, virtual environment.
Defence Notes

Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft

19th March 2025

US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
Defence Notes

OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”

18th March 2025

Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
Defence Notes

MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog

18th March 2025

MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.
Defence Notes

Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons

13th March 2025

Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
Naval Warfare

US Navy shipbuilding branded “too slow” and “too expensive” by acquisition chief

12th March 2025

Several of the US Navy’s leading programmes, including the Constellation-class frigate and the Virginia-class submarine, are significantly behind schedule.
Defence Notes

Leonardo projects €30 billion in revenue by 2029

12th March 2025

The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
Air Warfare

Dassault considers boosting Indian presence to support future Rafale production

11th March 2025

Discussion of any new production line in India would reportedly be for the F5 jet, although India is also closing in on cementing a deal for 26 Rafale-M aircraft for its Navy.